MUNSTER LOOK SET to name Anthony Foley as their next head coach.
The province’s CEO, Garrett Fitzgerald, will address the media in Limerick at approximately 2pm in order to issue an “update” on the appointment of the man to replace the departing Rob Penney for next season.
Bookmakers have suspended the betting on the head coaching job at Munster, although as of last night, several of the province’s players had not been made aware that a decision had been finalised.
Foley came close to being appointed head coach two seasons ago, when he featured on a shortlist of three outstanding candidates alongside Penney and former All Black Tana Umaga. Having now served an extended apprenticeship as forwards coach under Penney, the 40-year-old is seen as ready for increased responsibility.
The fact that Foley has been made aware of interest from clubs outside Ireland – with a view to assuming head coaching positions – means Munster have almost certainly had to make a swift decision as to whether or not they want to retain and promote the ex-Ireland international.
Foley is popular within the squad, with the province’s players having been greatly impressed by his technical knowledge of the game over the last two seasons, as well as his ability to highlight seemingly minor details that make notable differences on the pitch.
Munster’s maul and breakdown work have seen vast improvement under the focused coaching of Foley, who retired from playing in 2008. His intimate understanding of the province’s mindset and values may also be viewed as one of the positives he can bring as head coach.
If Foley is to be announced as Munster’s next head coach, as expected, it remains to be seen who is involved in his backroom set-up. Skills coach Ian Costello would represent another promotion from within as the role of backs coach becomes available after the departure of Simon Mannix at the season’s end.
